The Flathead Valley’s Leading Independent Journal of Observation, Analysis, & Opinion. © James R. Conner.

 

5 July 2013

Draft Schweitzer Independence Day rally in Kalispell

More than five dozen supporters of Brian Schweitzer gathered in Whitefish on the evening of 3 July for free music, free food, and the freedom from Republicanism that will attend Schweitzer’s election to the U.S. Senate in 2014. It was, organizers told me, one of the biggest and most enthusiastic Draft Schweitzer meet-ups yet held.

Eighteen hours later, just after the Independence Day parade, organizers of another Draft Schweitzer rally served free ice cream and free political wisdom in Kalispell’s Depot Park. A few images of event are below.

Draft Schweitzer is gathering steam, so far recruiting more than 3,000 volunteers for Schweitzer’s campaign, and raising more than $30,000 that will be donated to his campaign when he makes his official announcement. The Bold Progressives conducted a similar campaign for Elizabeth Warren for her successful 2012 U.S. Senate campaign in Massachusetts.

I thought Schweitzer would announce his candidacy at the beginning of July, but I overlooked his being a true Democrat — and in Montana, Democrats dither and dance and wait until the last minute. Schweitzer should set a better example and announce now.

sean_whiting_dsc5510-copy-4

Bold Progressives Draft Schweitzer coordinator Sean Whiting arrives in Depot Park.

joan_dave_lynn

Joan Ehrenberg, David Fern, and Lynn Stanley scooping ice cream. Joan mugging.

good_looking_gals

Pulchritude under the Depot Park pavilion.

ice_cream_arrives

First came the ice cream. The crowd followed.

muddy_puppy

A dog not appreciating being pulled back from a little boy.

ice_cream_and_tears_800

Tear of joy? Perhaps. But most likely, tears at losing his hat.

scott_stripping

This was a family affair, so Scott stopped stripping after removing his trousers.

linn_stan_lee

Lynn Stanley. I think she'd make a great state representative.

peter_stoll Progressive stalwart Peter Stoll. Also, my precinct committeeman, and a good one.